keeping bike in garage on cold nights

[moseven]

Hi everyone, just a question on keeping bike in garage on cold nights - will this cause battery to deteriorate over time? I've had this previously with things like lights, etc and kept them in cold conditions which has led to battery failing

It's a whyte e160 with internal bosch battery - cant find anything on the bosch site telling me what temps etc.

anyone with experience and what temps should I consider taking battery out and storing in the house?

all the best
Mo

 

[Herder000]

I think anywhere between -20C and 25C is fine. I had a PHEV car and didn’t really have much choice about storage in low temps Big reduction in range on the PHEV in the cold though, even when I left the heater off so I guess the same applies to emtbs. Ideal storage I believe is about 15C but I wouldn’t overly worry.

 

[alan_sh]

I keep mine on charge all the time. I think that helps.

 

[Jamze]

Will have the same issue over winter with my E-160. I did wonder about one of those greenhouse heaters. But you're right @Herder000 , I used to have a PHEV and that sat outside in all weathers.

 

[steve_sordy]

I can't be arsed to find the handbook, but the storage temp on my Focus battery was something like +/- 40degC. As I live in the UK, the prospect of anywhere near -40degC does not exist. My bike lives in an unheated garage that goes below zero in the winter.

I absolutely would not keep the battery on charge the whole time. The ideal storage charge for a bike battery is between 60 and 80%, outside that the battery life is compromised. There are lots of threads on this topic on this Forum, one quite recently with charts and stuff.

 

[moseven]

Thanks for replies and info everyone - sounds like I'm ok to leave in garage then......good to know its got better protection than other devices. I know on the moto I have an optimate plugged in most of winter which helps.

I can see me using this at least once or twice a week from now on - so no chance of it being left sitting during the winter - too much fun!!
cheers
Mo

 

[Worthy]

Thanks for replies and info everyone - sounds like I'm ok to leave in garage then......good to know its got better protection than other devices. I know on the moto I have an optimate plugged in most of winter which helps.

I can see me using this at least once or twice a week from now on - so no chance of it being left sitting during the winter - too much fun!!
cheers
Mo

From the Bosch site.

Protecting the battery
The battery is the most sensitive component of the eBike. It can lose capacity at low temperatures, which in turn can limit the bike's range. During winter use with temperatures below zero you are advised to remove the battery, store it at room temperature and replace it on the bike shortly before your next journey. When you return, you should ideally store the battery indoors at temperatures between 10° and 20°C. The same applies to charging the battery: the lithium-ion cells should be charged at room temperature.

 

[alan_sh]

OK - I'm used to my motorcycle batteries which are kept on optimates all year round.

I'll take your advice on this.

Alan

 

[moseven]

From the Bosch site.

Protecting the battery
The battery is the most sensitive component of the eBike. It can lose capacity at low temperatures, which in turn can limit the bike's range. During winter use with temperatures below zero you are advised to remove the battery, store it at room temperature and replace it on the bike shortly before your next journey. When you return, you should ideally store the battery indoors at temperatures between 10° and 20°C. The same applies to charging the battery: the lithium-ion cells should be charged at room temperature.

Good info - they seem to be saying if below zero then remove battery and store in house - and then keep the battery stored between 10 and 20 when returning

 

[moseven]

OK - I'm used to my motorcycle batteries which are kept on optimates all year round.

I'll take your advice on this.

Alan

Same here - I'm surprised they dont make one for the ebikes

 

[Sapientiea]

Storing Li-ion cells at lower temperatures is not directly detrimental to battery life. Low temperature increase the internal resistance (i.e. more energy is lost during charge/discharge by the conductive path). This also means that when operating at lower temperatures the battery will have lower usable capacity. Not sure about storing them at very low sub-zero conditions, but my guess is that you do not want the battery to actually freeze.
Charging at very low (sub 0oc) is not advisable (and may be prevented by BMS...not sure) as it can lead to deterioration of battery capacity and thus battery life. Charging and discharging at very high temperatures (>>45-50oc) is also not good for battery life.

I myself store my battery pack inside with 50-80% charge. I charge my battery day/night before my ride

 

[towzer]

On the inside of my 20 Levo battery